Oral care device

ABSTRACT

Oral care devices are provided that include a pumping assembly for dispensing a fluid, e.g., a dentifrice, from the oral care device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to oral care systems and methods of their use.

BACKGROUND

Conventional toothbrushes, having tufts of bristles mounted on a head,are generally effective at removing plaque from the flat surfaces ofteeth and the areas between teeth and along the gumline that can beaccessed by the bristles. Typically, a consumer manually squeezes aglobule of paste from a tube onto the bristles of the conventional brushprior to placing the brush in their mouth. After paste is deposited onthe bristles, the brush is placed in their mouth and brushing commences.As a further development on conventional toothbrushes, U.S. Ser. No.2002/0108193 proposes a sonic power toothbrush that is capable ofdispensing additives at the head of the brush. The head can vibraterelative to the body of the brush due to sonic frequency vibrations thatare transmitted to the brush head.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention features an oral care device that includes(a) an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing,a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduitdefining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing, thefluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in the housing; and(c) a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress the fluidconduit in the compressible region progressively along at least aportion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into thecompressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible regionalong the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of thehousing. The compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a paththat is not semi-circular. Preferably the path is also not generallycircular. In some implementations, the path defined by the compressibleregion is substantially straight, i.e., it has a radius of curvaturegreater than half the diameter of the housing in cross-section. Theradius of curvature may in some cases be greater than 2 inches. In otherimplementations, the path defined by the compressible region may includeone or more localized arcuate areas, but in such implementations thepath will also include generally linear areas. The geometry of thecompressible region allows the pumping assembly to have a relativelysmall profile, so that the pumping assembly fits within the elongatedhousing without the diameter of the housing becoming unwieldy. Thegeometry of the compressible region also facilitates removal of thefluid conduit from the housing, which is advantageous for reasons whichwill be discussed below.

Some implementations include one or more of the following features. Thepumping assembly may be configured to compress the conduit progressivelywith a series of multiple discrete compression events. The pumpingassembly further comprises a rotatable shaft that includes a raisedspiral, which may be continuous or discontinuous. For example, thespiral may include a discontinuous arrangement of protrusions extendingoutwardly from a surface of the rotatable shaft. The spiral may beconfigured to compress the conduit in the compressible regionprogressively along at least a portion of the length of the conduit asthe shaft rotates. The pumping assembly may further include acompression element positioned between the shaft and the conduit suchthat the compression element is displaced by the shaft to compress theconduit in the compressible region when the shaft is rotated. Thecompression element may be capable of being displaced by the shaft whenthe shaft is rotated to multiple angular positions. The compressionelement may be configured to be displaced in a direction substantiallytransverse to the fluid path. For example, the compression element maybe displaced linearly when the shaft is at a selected angular position.Alternatively, the compression element may be displaced in a rotationalor bending motion, or by buckling the compression element.

The oral device may include multiple compression elements positionedbetween the shaft and the conduit such that the compression elements arecapable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated, whichmay be arranged in one or more linear array(s).

The oral care device may include an electric motor configured to rotatethe rotatable shaft, e.g., at a selected rate or frequency in responseto a signal from a controller located within the housing or at differingselected rates or frequencies. The controller may be programmed toincrease or decrease the rate or frequency at which the motor rotatesthe rotatable shaft, e.g., in response to input from a user.

The long axis of the fluid conduit may be substantially parallel to orcoaxial with the long axis of the housing. The oral care device mayfurther include a fluid reservoir located within the housing that iscapable of communication with the fluid path. The pumping assembly maybe located downstream of the fluid reservoir. The oral care device mayinclude multiple fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluidconduit defining a fluid passageway, and the fluid conduits may eachhave a compressible region. The multiple fluid passageways may convergewithin the housing to combine fluid upstream of the outlet.

The oral care device may be configured so that all of the fluidpassageway is replaceable.

In another aspect, the invention features an oral care device thatincludes a housing including a fluid passageway for directing fluidwithin the housing and, at a distal portion of the housing, a headdimensioned to fit within a user's mouth, and a reversible pumpingassembly configured to transfer fluid along the passageway.

Some implementations include one or more of the features describedabove. Some implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures.

The reversible pumping assembly may be configured to transfer fluidalong the fluid passageway in a direction away from the outlet at thedistal portion of the housing. The reversible pumping assembly mayinclude an electric motor. The electric motor may be configured torotate a rotatable shaft in either a first direction or in an oppositesecond direction in response to a signal from a controller locatedwithin the housing. The oral care device may include a fluid reservoirwithin the housing and fluidly connected to the fluid passageway, andthe reversible pumping assembly may be configured to introduce fluidinto the fluid reservoir. The reversible pumping assembly may beconfigured to introduce fluid from the fluid passageway into the fluidreservoir while the pumping assembly is running in reverse.

In a further aspect, the invention features an oral care deviceincluding a housing including a head, a handle and a neck connecting thehead and the handle, the head being dimensioned to fit within a user'smouth, and an energy source for powering the oral care device, in whichthe housing includes a separable cartridge component that contains afluid reservoir and the energy source.

The energy source may be, for example, a battery. The energy source maybe electrically connected to a motor configured to drive a pumpassembly, e.g., such as the pump assemblies described above.

In yet another aspect, the invention features an oral care device thatincludes a housing having a movable head configured to rotate about anaxis of rotation, a handle and a neck connecting the head and thehandle, the housing defining a housing axis extending between the handleand the head that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a fluidpassageway located within the neck of the housing and extending to anoutlet at the head, and a drive member connected to the head at alocation spaced from the housing axis, the drive member being configuredto rotate the movable head about the axis of rotation.

Some implementations may include one or more of the following features.In some implementations at least a portion of the fluid passagewayextends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation or co-extendswith the axis of rotation. The outlet and the axis of rotation may bespaced-apart from each other. The oral care device may include a driveassembly configured to move the drive member. The drive member may beconnected to the head at a location spaced a distance (d) between about0.05 and about 0.2 inch from the housing axis, e.g., about 0.075 and0.150 inch from the housing axis, for example about 0.125 inch.

The invention also features methods of providing oral care using theoral care devices described above. For example, the invention features amethod including reducing an uncompressed volume (V0) of a fluid conduitpositioned within the oral care device by compressing the fluid conduitto a compressed volume (Vc) within a compressible region defining a paththat is not semicircular, wherein the compressed volume (Vc) remainssubstantially constant as the fluid conduit is compressed progressivelyalong a length (L) to transfer fluid along a fluid passageway within theoral care device. The fluid conduit may be compressed progressivelyalong L by a series of discrete compression events, e.g., using thepumping assemblies described above.

The invention also features a method including, with a series ofsuccessive, side-by-side compression events, compressing a fluid conduitprogressively in a compressible region along at least a portion of alength of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible regionand to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along a fluidpassageway and toward a fluid outlet at a head of an oral care device.The compressible region may be substantially linear.

In another aspect, the inveniton features an oral care device including(a) a housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a headdimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit definingat least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing; (c) a pouchdisposed within the housing, the pouch comprising a pouch body includingtwo sidewalls defining a volume therebetween; and (d) a fitmentproviding communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit. Insome implementations, the sidewalls are joined along at least onelongitudinal side edge by a seam. In some implementations the fitmenthas a height to width aspect ratio of less than one, the height andwidth being measured along minor and major axes, respectively, at an endof the fitment disposed between the sidewalls.

The pouch volume may increase from an original, unfilled volume as thepouch is filled with content, and decrease as the pouch is emptied. Whenthe pouch is substantially emptied, the pouch volume may besubstantially equivalent to the original, unfilled volume.

In a further aspect, the invention features an oral care deviceincluding (a) an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of thehousing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluidconduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in thehousing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in thehousing; and (c) a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress thefluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least aportion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into thecompressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible regionalong the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of thehousing; wherein the pumping assembly is configured to compress theconduit progressively with a series of multiple discrete compressionevents.

The invention also features an oral care device that includes (a) anelongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a headdimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit definingat least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing, the fluidconduit having a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) amotorized pumping assembly configured to compress the fluid conduit inthe compressible region progressively along at least a portion of thelength of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible regionand to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluidpassageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of the housing, themotorized pumping assembly including a drive shaft that is disposedsubstantially parallel to a plane defined by the compressible region.This relative arrangement of the drive shaft and compressible regionprovides a compact geometry which allows the pumping assembly to fitwithin the elongated housing without the diameter of the housingbecoming unwieldy.

The features described above can be combined in any desired combination,with each other and with other features of the oral care devices thatwill be described below.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the description anddrawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an oral caresystem.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an oral caredevice.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a transparent front view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B is a transparent rear view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a pump assemblyand associated fluid passageway.

FIG. 4B is a perspective detail view of the pump assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side views, respectively, of an embodimentof an array of compression elements.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and perspective views, respectively, of a screwembodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a pumping sequence for the pump assembly andfluid passageway of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 8 is a side view of elements of a pumping assembly including aflexible membrane.

FIGS. 9 and 9A illustrates another flexible membrane embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a perspective top view detailing an embodiment of a driveassembly.

FIG. 10B shows the drive assembly of FIG. 10A positioned within the oralcare device.

FIG. 10C is a side view of an alternative cam embodiment.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a guide assembly.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a drive shaft.

FIG. 12 is a sectional drawing of a head of the oral care device of FIG.2A.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are top and perspective views, respectively, of thedrive shaft of FIG. 11 and a fluid passageway connected to the head.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are front perspective views of two brush embodiments.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views of the head andneck of another oral care device embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are front and rear perspective views of the head andneck of another oral care device embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are side views of an embodiment of a separablecomponent forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 18C is a sectional detail view of area C of FIG. 18A showing avalve.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are side and sectional views, respectively, of anembodiment of a separable cartridge component forming part of the oralcare device of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 19C and 19D are enlarged detail views of areas C and D,respectively, of FIG. 19B.

FIGS. 20A and 20C are front and rear perspective views of an embodimentof a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG.2A. FIGS. 20B and 20D are transparent front and rear views,respectively, of the component of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a side section view of the valve of FIG. 19D mated with adocking station valve.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are side section views of another valve assemblyembodiment. FIG. 22C is a front view of a valve fitment of FIGS. 22A and22B.

FIG. 23A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a dockingstation.

FIG. 23B is a transparent side perspective view of the docking stationof FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24 illustrates a docking station embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates another docking station embodiment.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are side perspective views of a pump assemblyembodiment.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are side perspective views of a valve actuationassembly.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an oral care system control embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective side view of another embodiment of an oral caredevice.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are, respectively, side perspective and transparentviews of a separable component forming part of the oral care device ofFIG. 29.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are, respectively, side perspective and transparentviews of a separable component forming part of the oral care device ofFIG. 29.

FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 are perspective views of alternative compressionmember array embodiments.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show an alternative screw embodiment.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are rear and front views, respectively, of the headand neck of another oral care device embodiment with the neck shown astransparent.

FIG. 37 is a rear view of the head and neck of another oral care deviceembodiment with the neck shown as transparent.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate alternative head embodiments.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are section views of an alternative valve assemblyembodiment.

FIGS. 41, 42 and 44 are perspective views of different fluid reservoirembodiments and FIG. 43 is an end view of a fitment of FIGS. 41 and 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an oral care system 10 is shownthat includes an oral care device 12, in this case a toothbrush, and adocking station 14 that holds the oral care device 12 in an uprightposition within a receiving portion of the docking station. As will bedescribed in much greater detail below, oral care device 12 is a powertoothbrush having a motorized head and is designed to discharge a fluid,such as a dentifrice or mouthwash or a combination of various fluids,during the brushing cycle. The docking station 14 is designed torecharge batteries that are located within the oral care device, and torefill the oral care device with the fluid(s).

Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, oral care device 12 includes amulti-component, separable housing 16 consisting of three interconnectedcomponents 152, 154 and 156 (see also for example FIGS. 18A, 19A and20A). As assembled, the oral care device 12 includes a distal portion 18at which a head 20 is located and a proximal portion 22 at which ahandle 24 is located. Connecting handle 24 and head 20 is neck 26. Head20 is sized to fit within a user's mouth for brushing, while the handle24 is graspable by a user and facilitates manipulation of the head 20during use.

Referring to FIG. 2B, showing a rear view of the oral care device 12, aninlet 28 is positioned near an end surface 30 at the proximal portion 22of the oral care device. As will be described in greater detail below,the inlet 28 is matable with an outlet 280 (FIG. 23A) located at thedocking station 14 for refilling a fluid path within component 154. Bypositioning the inlet 28 distal of the end surface 30, the inlet isspaced above a seating surface 275 (FIG. 23A) within the receivingportion of the docking station where substances (e.g., dentifrice,water, dust) may accumulate, so that substances will not interfere withmating between the inlet 28 and the outlet 280.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, internal components of the oral caredevice 12 are shown. Oral care device 12 includes motors 34 and 36.Motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 38, that is used to transfer a fluidalong a fluid passageway 40 (see FIG. 3B) toward the distal portion 18of the oral care device 12. As will be discussed further below, pumpingassembly 38 transfers fluid by compressing a portion of tube 60 with acompression element. In some embodiments, motor 34 is reversible and canmove fluid in an opposite direction, toward the proximal portion 22 ofthe oral care device 12. Moving the fluid in the opposite direction may,for example, reduce or, in some cases, even eliminate any leaking offluid from the head that may occur due to pressure build-up within thepassageway. Motor 36 drives a drive shaft 42, which in turn moves (e.g.,rotates) the head 20. To supply power to motors 34, 36, a rechargeablebattery 44 is electrically coupled to the motors. A suitablerechargeable battery is a Li Ion UR 14500P, available from Sanyo.

Pump Assembly

As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 4A and 4B, motor 34 includes arotatable shaft 46 that is connected to a screw 48 having an advancing,enlarged spiral 50 (FIG. 4B) by a pair of gears 52 and 54. Screw 48 andspiral 50 are shaped to sequentially displace each finger (orcompression element) of an array of interconnected fingers 56 as motor34 rotates the screw. Fingers 56 are secured to an inner wall of thehousing 16 (FIG. 2A) forming a series of cantilevered projections thatare positioned adjacent tube 60 within a compressible region 58 (FIG.4A) that, itself, forms a portion of the fluid passageway 40. When thefingers 56 are displaced, they compress the tube 60 within thecompressible region 58 progressively along its length in a series ofmultiple compression events to force fluid along the fluid path (seeFIGS. 7A-7E).

Generally, the motor 34 and the gearing (e.g., gears 52 and 54) can beselected as desired. A suitable motor 34 is a FF-130SH, available fromMabuchi. In some embodiments, the gearing is selected to reduce speed byabout 23:1.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, as shown, the array of fingersincludes seven interconnected fingers 56 that extend integrally from acommon base 57. While seven fingers are depicted, the number of fingerscan be selected as desired (e.g., greater than one finger, up to 10, 50,100 or 200 fingers). Multiple arrays can also be used. The fingers 56are interconnected at one end 62 and each extends to a free end 64 thatcan be displaced depending on the angular position of screw 48. Whilethe pump assembly 38 may be used without fingers 56 (e.g., spiral 50 ofscrew 48 may be used to compress tube 60 within the compressible region58 directly), by utilizing fingers 56, rolling and sliding wear againstthe tube 60 within the compressible region 58 can be reduced due to thedisplacement of the fingers in a direction substantially perpendicularto the long axis of the tube 60. Such a reduction in rolling and slidingwear can reduce potential for rupture of tube 60 that can lead to fluidleakage within the housing 16.

Generally, the sizes and dimensions of each of the fingers can beselected as desired. As shown, each of the fingers 56 is ofsubstantially identical dimensions having a width W_(f) (e.g., fromabout 0.05 inch to about 0.2 inch, such as about 0.1 inch) and a lengthL (e.g., from about 0.4 inch to about 0.6 inch, such as about 0.5 inch)and is shaped to reduce the volume occupied by the fingers within thehousing. Referring particularly to FIG. 5B, the fingers 56 extendrelatively linearly within regions 66 and 68, with region 68 offset fromregion 66 a distance T by a bend 70. In operation, surface 72 of fingers56 can contact an outer surface of the tube 60 and opposite surface 74can contact screw 48 or vice versa. The offset can ensure that adownward force of the finger is fully applied to the tube 60. In someembodiments, one or more of the fingers may have a differing dimension.

Design of the fingers 56 depends, at least in part, on the screw designand tube 60 design. Each finger 56 is designed to compress a region ofthe tube 60 that is roughly equal to the width of the respective finger56. The distance between each finger and the adjacent finger isminimized (e.g., about 0.015 inch) for pumping efficiency.

In general, materials for forming the fingers 56 can be selected asdesired. Materials preferable for forming the array of fingers includeelastic materials having high resistances to fatigue failure (e.g., dueto the repeated displacement of the fingers) and capable ofwithstanding, at least for a reasonable time (e.g., 180 uses or more),the rolling and sliding contact between the fingers 56 and the spiral50. A suitable plastic material is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable methodcan be employed for forming the fingers, such as molding (e.g.,injection molding), casting and machining.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the defining variables of the screw 48include the pitch of the screw, the dwell time caused by the flat 76 atthe top of the pitch. Other variables affecting screw design include thewidth of the fingers and the number of fingers. The screw pitch P (i.e.,the distance center-to-center between flats 76 along a line parallel toshaft axis, at least in some cases, ensures that at least one(preferably more than one) finger compresses the tube at a given momentin time. As shown, P is about 0.8 inch, while the width of each flat isabout 0.035 inch.

Generally, the dimensions of the screw 48 can be selected as desired.Preferably, however, the screw 48 design depends, at least in part, onthe design of the fingers 56 and the design of the tube 60 withincompressible region 58 in order to achieve pumping action to transferfluid along the passageway 40. As discussed above with regard to thefingers, materials preferable for forming the screw can endure, at leastfor a reasonable time (e.g., 180 uses, or more), the rolling and slidingcontact between the spiral 50 and the fingers 56. A suitable plasticmaterial is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be used to form thescrew 48, such as molding (e.g., injection molding the screw orover-molding plastic onto, for example, a metal shaft) and machining.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, diagrammatic illustrations of portions of adisplacement sequence are shown for the pump assembly 38 shown in FIG.4A and described above. In this displacement sequence, the fingers 56 ofthe array are sequentially displaced by the enlarged spiral 50 (see FIG.4B). Prior to compression, within compressible region 58 the tube 60 hasa substantially constant inner and outer diameter, and an initial,uncompressed volume V₀ for a length L (i.e., the length of thecompressible region 58), with L being substantially equal to the width Wof the array of fingers (FIG. 5A). When the fingers 56 compress the tube60, the volume over L decreases to a compressed volume V_(c). In someembodiments, V_(c) remains substantially constant during the entiredisplacement sequence. In certain other embodiments, V_(c) changessubstantially during the displacement sequence. In either case, it isthe geometry of the passageway 40 through which fluid flows that isacted on by a series of discrete and progressive compression events tocreate flow.

Referring particularly to FIG. 7A, fingers 56 a and 56 b are displacedby screw 48 due to the increased diameter of spiral 50 (FIGS. 6A and6B), which, in turn, compresses (e.g., occludes) a portion of tube 60within the compressible region 58 between the finger 56 and the wall 78to positively displace fluid along the passageway 40. While the screw 48displaces finger 56 a (eventually a maximum distance l), the screw 48also displaces finger 56 b. As the screw 48 turns, referring also toFIG. 5B, finger 56 a begins a return, drawing fluid into the previouslydisplaced region of the tube 60, while finger 56 b is displaced thedistance l and finger 56 c begins its displacement. As shown by FIG. 7C,spiral 50 is shaped such that finger 56 b is displaced the distance l(or the maximum displacement distance) at least from the moment finger56 a begins on its return path and at least until finger 56 c isdisplaced the distance l. Referring now to FIGS. 7D and 7E, thissequence continues as all seven fingers 56 a-56 g are displaced (onlythe displacement of the first four fingers 56 a-56 d is shown, forbrevity) and then repeats until the motor 34 stops rotating the screw48. By displacing more than one finger at all times, the displacementsequence compresses the tube 60 relatively continuously along the lengthL, with relatively little, if any, backflow. Minimizing backflowgenerally eliminates the need for a check valve to achieve pumpingaction. In some embodiments, l is substantially equal to or greater thanthe inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58,however, l can be less than the inner diameter of the tube 60 within thecompressible region 58. As shown, the inner diameter of the tube 60 inthe compressible region is about 1/16 inch and l is slightly greaterthan 1/16 inch.

Referring to FIG. 8, flexible membrane 80 may be positioned between thefingers 56 and the tube 60 (see FIGS. 20C and 20D). The membrane 80 isused to seal the internal components positioned within housing component156 from water, paste or other liquids associated with brushing. Themembrane can be, for example, adhered to inner wall 81 of component 156and/or over molded on the component 156. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A asexamples, in some embodiments, the membrane 80 includes a compressionelement 57 or array of compression elements (or multiple arrays ofcompression elements) that can be used for compressing the tube 60,replacing the fingers 56. Additionally, other compression means arecontemplated to compress tube 60 directly (or to displace thecompressible elements), such as a spinning bent wire (e.g., a coiledwire or cam/crank shaft wire), solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, a rockingmechanism and/or annular constrictions with ferrofluids.

By utilizing the above-described pump assembly, fluid can be positivelydisplaced without backflow and, as mentioned, without any need for abackflow-preventive device, such as a check valve (although a checkvalve can be used, if desired). The pump assembly described above isparticularly well suited to pump slurries, viscous, shear-sensitive andaggressive fluids. Additionally, the fingers, motor, gears, screw, andother internal components can be isolated from the fluid as the fluidtravels along the passageway 40, which, in some cases, can increase thelife span of the oral care device 12.

Head Drive Assembly

Referring back to FIG. 3A, motor 36 moves (e.g., translates linearly)pivoting drive shaft 42, which in turn moves (e.g., oscillatesrotationally) rotatable head 20. The drive shaft 42 is connected to therotatable head 20 using an offset design that facilitates placement of afluid outlet at the head 20 and a tube 82 forming a portion of fluidpassageway 40 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. This offset designwill be described in further detail below.

Movement of the rotatable head 20 is accomplished, in part, by use of acam and follower system that translates rotational output of the motor36 into linear motion used to drive the drive shaft 42 backward andforward. Referring particularly to FIG. 10A, a track 86 extendsoutwardly from a shaft 84 that is connected to the motor 36 by a seriesof interconnected gears. Follower 88 includes a pair of projections 90that are designed to ride track 86 as shaft 84 is rotated by motor 36.Track 86 is shaped such that as shaft 84 rotates, the follower 88oscillates linearly. An alignment component 92 aids in aligning thefollower 88 as it oscillates. Although a raised track-follower system isshown, any suitable system can be utilized, such as various other camsystems, including drum cams with followers and grooved tracks withfollowers. For example, referring to FIG. 10C, an alternative cam designincludes a cam 94 having cam geometry on an internal surface 96 of a cup98. In some cases, the cam follower can run axisymmetric with the motor.Non-cam systems can also be used, such as a belt or chain system. A beltor chain system can replace the drive shaft system shown to drive thehead 20 while leaving the axis of the oral care device 12 available tomake way for the fluid passageway 40.

Connected to follower 88 is an intermediate drive shaft 100.Intermediate drive shaft 100 is slidably positioned within a guideassembly 102 that is secured directly to the housing 16. Referring toFIG. 10D, the guide assembly 102 includes a gasket 104 (e.g., formed ofrubber), a bushing 106 (e.g., a bronze oilite bushing) and a mountingplate 108. The mounting plate 108 is secured to the housing 16 (see FIG.10B). The guide assembly 102 provides alignment and stabilization forthe intermediate shaft 100 as the intermediate shaft moves forward andbackward with the follower 88.

Referring to FIG. 10B, a pivoting drive shaft 42 is coupled to theintermediate drive shaft 100. The drive shafts 100 and 42 are coupled bya pair of interconnecting notches 110A, 110B, which are constructed toengage each other. Notch 110A is positioned at an end of the shaft 42(FIG. 11) and notch 110B is positioned at the adjacent end ofintermediate shaft 100 (FIG. 10A). Drive shaft 42 is slidably positionedwithin a bracket 112 that is secured within the neck 26 of the housing16 (shown in phantom) to restrict side-to-side movement of shaft 42 andto maintain the connection between the notches 110. The notches 110 aredetachable (e.g., to separate components 152 and 154) by applying aforce (e.g., by a consumer) to the bracket 112 in a direction thatseparates the notches 110. The bracket 112 has sufficient flexibility toallow the notches 110 to detach when pushed on by a consumer to allowthe consumer to separate component 154 from components 152 and 156.

As can be seen, the available space within the neck 26 of housing 16 isrelatively limited. As a result, the drive shaft 42 is shaped tofacilitate placement of both the fluid-carrying tube 82 and theoscillating drive shaft 42 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. Shownmore clearly in FIG. 11, the drive shaft 42 includes a number of bends114, 116 that aid in maintaining distance between the fluid passageway40 and the drive shaft 42 so that the tube 82 does not interfere withmotion of drive shaft 42. The short bend 114 is connected to rotatablehead 20 and is designed to be short enough to be assembled through theneck 26 of housing 16. This can allow the shaft 42 to be assembledthrough an opening in the bottom of component 152 (see FIG. 10B) andfacilitates use of a relatively narrow, unitary housing component 152.The bend 114, however, is long enough to drive the rotatable head 20. Byincluding bends 114, 116, there is a reduced probability that the driveshaft 42 and tube 82 will interfere with each other's operation in use.

Referring now to FIG. 12, rotatable head 20 is rotatably connected tohousing 16 within a socket 118 formed in housing 16. A non-rotatablefitting (e.g., a bushing) 120 is secured over a distal end of the tube82 and a valve 122 is fitted over the fitting 120. The valve 122 andfitting 120 extend through an aperture 124 in the rotatable head 20 suchthat, of the valve 122 and the fitting 120, the non-rotatable fitting120 receives much of forces from the rotatable head 20 during operation,thus reducing wear and tear on the valve. A pin 126 secures therotatable head 20 in the housing 16 by passing through a hole 128 in thehousing 16 and into a slot 130 formed in the rotatable head 20. This pin126 and slot 130 connection secures the rotatable head 20 within thehousing 16 and allows the rotatable head 20 to rotate.

Referring also to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the drive shaft 42 is connected tothe rotatable head 20 at a hole (not shown) formed in the rotatable head20 and positioned offset from a longitudinal axis 131 by a distance d(e.g., greater than zero, such as from about 0.05 to about 0.2 inch,such as about 0.125 inch). The longitudinal axis 131 is perpendicular toan axis of rotation 134 (FIG. 13B) of the head, and distance d ismeasured perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis 131 to the center ofthe hole. The shaft 42 is slip fit into the hole to allow oscillation ofthe rotatable head 20 relative to shaft 42. As drive shaft 42 translatesbackward and forward, the rotatable head 20 oscillates about axis 134 ata desired frequency (e.g., from about 35 Hz to about 140 Hz, such asfrom about 50 Hz to about 80 Hz.).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, head 20 includes a base 136 that includesthe opening 124 (see FIG. 12) through which the valve 122 extendsoutwardly beyond the base. Although any suitable valve can be employed,such as a duckbill valve or other types of check valves, the duckbillvalve is preferred for ease of use and for reducing the introduction ofoutside fluids and particles into the fluid passageway (e.g., during useand storage). In some embodiments, the distal end of the tube 82 formsthe fluid outlet without use of a valve attached thereto. In someembodiments, opening 124 forms a portion of the fluid passageway.

Extending from the base 136 is an array of bristle tufts 138. Althougheach tuft 138 is shown as a solid mass in the drawings, the tufts areactually each made up of a great mass of individual plastic bristles.The bristles may be made of any desired polymer, e.g., nylon 6.12 or6.10, and may have any desired diameter, e.g., 4-8 mil. The tufts 138are supported by the base 136, and may be held in place by any desiredtufting technique as is well known in the art, e.g., hot tufting or astapling process. The tufts 138 may also be mounted to move on the base136, as is well known in the toothbrush art. For a more detaileddiscussion of brush heads, Applicants refer to pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/666,497, filed Sep. 9, 2003, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Generally, tufts 138 and fluid outlet 140 (along with opening 124) maybe positioned where desired. Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, tufts 138are positioned about centrally located valve 122. Referring particularlyto FIG. 14, a contoured ellipse head design is illustrated where base136 is in the form of an ellipse. The valve 122 is shown positioned atabout the center of the elliptical base 136 (i.e., at the intersectionof the major and minor axes of the ellipse) with the tufts 138 arrangedabout the fluid outlet 140 in an elliptical arrangement. FIG. 15 shows amore circular head design with valve 122 positioned at the center of thebase 136 and the tufts 138 positioned about the fluid outlet 140 in acircular arrangement.

It is not required, however, that the valve 122 and associated fluidoutlet 140 be positioned centrally within the rotatable head 20 or thatthe fluid outlet be aligned with the axis of rotation 134 of therotatable head 20. For example, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, amovable head 142 includes an offset valve design. In this embodiment, avalve 122 and associated fluid passageway 40 extends through a rotatablehead 142 spaced from an axis of rotation 134. As above, a drive shaft 42is connected to the rotatable head 142 offset from a longitudinal axis131. As another example, referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a head 146includes a movable portion 148 and a stationary portion 150 with a valve122 and associated fluid passageway 40 positioned in the stationaryportion 150. As an alternative, the valve 122 can be positioned withinthe movable portion 148, as described above, rather than in thestationary portion 150. The movable portion 148 can be formed by arotatable head that is connected to a drive shaft, as described above.In some embodiments, the drive shaft 42 includes a fluid path that formsa portion of fluid passageway 40 by fluidly connecting the drive shaft42 to tube 60. An end (not shown) of the drive shaft 42 that isconnected to the head can provide a fluid outlet, or a valve or otherstructure can be attached to the end of the drive shaft.

Valves and Seals

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-19B and 20A-20D, as noted above, housing 16is separable into three components 152, 154 and 156. Component 152 (i.e.a removable head assembly; FIGS. 18A and 18B) includes movable head 20and neck 26 along with drive shaft 42 and tube 82. Component 154 (i.e. aremovable, refillable cartridge assembly; FIGS. 19A and 19B) includestube 60, compressible region 58 (FIG. 19B) and inlet 28. Motors 34 and36 are housed by component 156, along with pumping assembly 38 andrechargeable battery 44 (see FIG. 3B).

Because each of components 152 and 154 contain a portion of fluidpassageway 40, in order to reduce or, in some cases, to prevent fluidleakage when components 152 and 154 are separated, each of thecomponents 152 and 154 includes a valve 160 and 162, respectively,having a “normally closed” construction. The valves are disposed at anend of the associated conduit, e.g., to close substantially the entirefluid passageway associated with each component when the components aredisengaged.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18C, the neck valve 160 is capable of matingwith the cartridge valve 162 (see FIGS. 19A and 19C). Referring to bothFIGS. 18C and 19C, neck valve 160 and cartridge valve 162 include innersurfaces 164 and 166, respectively, that each form a portion of fluidpassageway 40. Near openings 126 and 128, inner surfaces 164 and 166neck-down, reducing the inner diameter of the fluid passageway, to formseating surfaces 172 and 174. Biased against seating surfaces 172 and174 are poppets 176 and 178. Poppets 176, 178 have outer surfaces 180,182 that are contoured to complement the contour of the respectiveseating surfaces 172 and 174. The poppets are biased against the seatingsurfaces 172, 174 by helical springs 184, 186 (e.g., between about 0.250and 0.375 inch long with an overall outer diameter of between about0.120 and 0.240 inch; formed from, e.g., stainless steel wire betweenabout 0.014 and 0.018 inch in diameter) to close the fluid passageway 40when components 152 and 154 are separated (e.g., forming a fluid-tightand/or air-tight seal). The valves can be constructed to remain closedand seal the passageway even if an amount of positive pressure isapplied within the passageway (e.g., the pumping mechanism isactivated). As positive pressure is applied to the respective poppetfrom within the passageway, an increased amount of biasing force istransmitted and the poppet applies more force against the seatingsurface maintaining the seal.

Referring to FIGS. 19B and 19D, the cartridge component 154 includes asecond valve 200 that is capable of mating with docking station valve322 at outlet 280 (FIGS. 21 and 23A). Valve 200 includes the featuresdescribed above with regard to valve 162, and valve 322 includes thefeatures described above with regard to valve 160. Valve 200 controlsfluid flow through the inlet 28 positioned near the base surface 30 (seeFIG. 2B), while valve 322 controls fluid flow through the dockingstation outlet 280. To illustrate operation of the valves, referring toFIG. 21, each of the poppets 176 and 178 include an extended portion188. The extended portions 188 project beyond the seating surfaces 172,174 when the valves are separated. When the valves 200 and 322 aremated, the extended portions 188 of the poppets 176, 178 contact eachother. In some embodiments, only one or neither of poppets 176, 178 hasan extended portion 188 that extends beyond the respective seatingsurface. As the valves 200 and 322 approach one another, the poppets176, 178 deflect away from the seating surfaces, thus opening the fluidpassageway 40 and allowing the flow of fluid therethrough. When mated,the valves are also constructed to remain open during use as pressure isapplied to the poppets, e.g., by fluid flowing within the passageway.This can be accomplished by restricting motion of the respective poppetswhen the valves are open.

To seal the fluid passageway 40 from the surroundings when the valvesare mated, cartridge valves 162 and/or 200 can include a sealing ring201 (e.g., an O-ring) positioned within a recess 192 extending inwardlyfrom an outer surface 194 of the cartridge valve. In some embodiments,the sealing ring provides a fluid-tight seal, but not an airtight seal.In some cases, the sealing ring provides both a fluid-tight and anairtight seal. The sealing ring can be sized to contact an inner surface190 of the valves 160 and/or 322.

Referring to FIG. 18C, the neck valve 160 incorporates a portion 165 ofthe neck 26 as part of the valve assembly. The neck valve assembly 160is directly connected to the proximal open end of tube 82, allowingfluid passage directly from the valve into tube 82. Referring to FIG.19C, the cartridge valve 162 is connected to tube 60 by means of abarbed fitting 203 at the rear of the assembly. Other methods ofattachment, such as clamps, wire or plastic tie wraps and/or adhesivesare also possible.

In some embodiments, an alternative valve assembly is used that closesthe fluid passageway 40 in only one component, when the components areseparated. Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, a one-sided valve assembly 250includes a valve 252 and an open fitment 254 (see FIG. 22C). The valve252 includes an inner surface 256 that is necked-down to form a seatingsurface 258 and a poppet 260 with an extended portion 262 that is biasedtoward the seating surface 258. The fitment 254 includes an innersurface 266 forming a passageway for fluid flow and a wall 268 thatspans the passageway of the fitment. The wall 268 includes four channels270 that are in fluid communication with the passageway. The channels270 provide a conduit through which fluid can flow from the fitment 254to the valve 252 (or vice versa) when the valve 252 is mated with thefitment 254.

As valve 252 is mated with fitment 254, turning to FIG. 22B, theextended portion 262 is brought into contact with wall 268. As a surface272 of the valve 252 approaches wall 268, poppet 260 is deflected awayfrom seating surface 258, opening the valve 252. The channels 270 arepositioned such that poppet 260 does not block the channels 270 so thatfluid can pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the fitment 254replaces the neck valve 160 (e.g., to allow for rinsing of thepassageway 40 within neck component 152).

Generally, the materials for forming the fitment and valves, includingthe poppets and springs, can be selected as desired. Suitable materialsfor forming the valves include polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), polypropylene,acrylonitrile-based co-polymer (e.g., BAREX® available from BP p.l.c),acetal (POM), or corrosion resistant metals, such as stainless steel.Suitable materials for forming the poppets include elastomers such asethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR),fluorocarbons (e.g., VITON® fluorocarbons, available from DuPont DowElastomers L.L.C.), combinations of these materials and any of thesematerials used in combination with a harder material such as stainlesssteel. The valves can be formed by any suitable method including molding(e.g., injection molding) and/or machining, with common joiningprocesses such as ultrasonic or laser welding, adhesives and the like.

Components 152 and 154 are designed to be replaceable. By “replaceable”,we mean that components 152 and 154 are interchangeable by the consumerwith other like components to form an assembled oral care device, andthat replacement can normally be effected by the consumer without damageto the oral care device. As can be appreciated from the abovedescription, because the entirety of fluid passageway 40 is carried bycomponents 152 and 154, the entirety of fluid passageway 40 is alsoreplaceable. In other words, any part of oral care device 12 thattouches fluid is replaceable. This facilitates use of different types offluids with the oral care device without undesired mixing of the fluidsand repair of the oral care device (e.g., due to fluid passagewayrupture, valve malfunction, and the like). This also helps to maintainthe oral care device in a sanitary condition during extended use.

To assemble the oral care device 12, components 152 (head assembly) and154 (cartridge) both attach to component 156 by independent mechanicalsnap latching mechanisms 137 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). Referring to FIGS. 18Aand 20A, component 152 is attached to component 156 by inserting a topend 133 of the component 156 into a receiving end 135 of component 156.In doing so, a mechanical connection is formed by snap latch members 139(FIG. 18B) and 141 (FIG. 20A), the drive shafts 42 and 100 are connectedand, if component 154 is connected to component 156, a fluid connectionis made through the valves 160 and 162. Component 154 is attached tocomponent 156 by a similar snap latch connection (see also FIG. 19A). Todetach components 152 and 154 from component 156, a user can squeeze thesnap latches 137 toward each other to disengage the mechanicalconnection. This is accomplished by pinching buttons 143 located at thehandle 24 to detach component 154 from component 156 and by pinchingbuttons 143 located at the neck 26 to detach components 152 and 156.Other connections are contemplated, such as an independent screw orbayonet-style collar that can move independently of the orientation ofthe components being attached. Because both a drive shaft and fluid lineconnection must be made, a linear connection (e.g., as opposed to arotational) is preferred to align the two connections. Other generalattachment arrangements can be made, such as attaching component 152 tocomponent 154, and subsequently, attaching component 154 to component156.

Oral Care Device Controls

Referring back to FIG. 3A, the oral care device 12 includes a controlcircuit or controller 400 that is electrically connected to the motors34, 36 and that generally governs operation of the motors. A userinterface 402 provides external interaction with controller 400. Theuser interface 402 includes on and off buttons 404 and 406 and a fluidlevel switch 408, all of which are accessible from exterior of thehousing 16 (see FIG. 2A).

While the controller can be programmed as desired, as one example, thecontroller is designed such that depressing button 404 initiates bothmotors 34 and 36 and depressing button 406 initiates only one of themotors 34, 36, such as motor 36. By depressing button 404 both headmovement and fluid flow can be initiated. By depressing button 406, onlyone of fluid flow and head movement can be initiated. Depressing button404 or 406 can also halt the associated motor(s) subsequent toinitiation. In cases where button 406 initiates and halts only motor 36,a user can, for example, brush without additional fluid delivery and canrinse the oral care device 12 while the head rotates. The fluid levelswitch 408 allows a user to choose between preselected rates of fluiddelivery, such as high (e.g., about 1.1 g/minute), medium (e.g., about 1g/minute) and low (e.g., about 0.9 g/minute) rates. Three LED's 410 canselectively illuminate to indicate a selected fluid delivery level. Asan alternative or in addition, an LCD display can be included to conveya fluid delivery level and/or can be used to display other informationsuch as level of fluid in the oral care device 12 and/or status ofbattery charge.

As mentioned above, the controller 400 can be programmed as desired.Preferably, the controller 400 is programmed to adjust a paste deliverylevel subsequent to initiation of the motor 34. In some embodiments, thecontroller is programmed such that a relatively large bolus of fluid isdelivered soon after motor 34 is initiated, e.g., to have enough pasteto begin brushing, and then the level of paste delivery is decreased,e.g., to a lower delivery level throughout the remaining portion of thebrushing cycle. The level of paste delivery may be decreased, forexample, by intermittent bursts of fluid and/or by slower rates of fluiddelivery. As an example, the controller may be programmed to providethree delivery settings, low, medium and high. In one embodiment, at thelow delivery setting, the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus byactivating the motor 34 for about seven seconds. After about sevenseconds, the controller intermittently activates the motor 34 for about0.75 seconds and deactivates motor 34 for about 2.4 seconds (i.e.,cycles the motor on and off at these intervals). In the same embodiment,at the medium delivery setting, the controller is programmed to delivera bolus by activating the motor 34 for about seven seconds, and then tocycle the motor on for about 0.75 seconds and off for about 1.63seconds. At the high delivery setting, the controller is programmed todeliver a bolus by activating the motor 34 for about seven seconds andthen to cycle the motor on for about 0.75 seconds and off for about 1.2seconds. Depending on the desired programming of the controller 400,more or fewer user interface controls can be used to initiate variousfunctions.

Docking Station

When not in use, oral care device 12 can be coupled with docking station14. Docking station 14 can be connected to an electrical outlet (notshown) or other suitable power supply.

Referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, docking station 14 is formed to holdoral care device 12 within the receiving portion 273 in an uprightposition. The receiving portion 273 is formed between a vertical recess295 formed in housing 291 and housing extension 297 extending from base293. The recess 295 is contoured to receive a portion of oral caredevice 12. The docking station 14 includes a reactive device, e.g., asensor (not shown) that detects an input upon receipt of the oral caredevice by the docking station and, in response to this input, sends asignal to a controller, the details of which will be described ingreater detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 23B, the docking station 14 includes a fluidreservoir 274 (see FIGS. 24 and 25) that is coupled with a tube 276 thatforms a portion of a fluid passageway 278 extending from the fluidreservoir 274 to outlet 280. In some embodiments, as shown by FIG. 24,the fluid reservoir 274 is formed as an integral part of a separable,replaceable portion 301 of the docking station 14. In other embodiments,illustrated by FIG. 25, a replaceable pouch 303 forms the fluidreservoir. In this case, the upper portion 301 of the docking station isremovable, to allow the consumer to easily remove pouch 303 when itscontents are exhausted, or when the user wishes to use a differentproduct, and insert a replacement pouch.

Referring to FIG. 23B, to move fluid along the fluid passageway, thedocking station includes a reversible pump assembly 282. As can be seenmore clearly in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the pump assembly 282 is similar tothe pump assembly depicted by FIGS. 4A and 4B in that it includes amotor 284, a screw 286 having an advancing spiral of enlarged dimension(see FIG. 26A), and an array of interconnected fingers 290 positioned tosequentially compress a compressible region 277 of the tube 276. In someembodiments, the motor 284, screw 286 including spiral and fingers 290are of a construction substantially identical to the constructionsdescribed above. Other pump assemblies are also contemplated for movingfluid, particulate and/or powder along the passageway, such as adiaphragm pump, piston pump, compressed gas, gear pump, etc.

The motor 284 is mounted, using a bracket 294, on a support plate 296that is secured to a floor 298 (see FIG. 23B) of the base station 14.The fingers 290 are secured along their base (see, for example, element53 of FIG. 5A) to a plate 305 that is secured to a support member 300,which is mounted to side surfaces of pair of guide plates 306 and 308(FIG. 26B). Mounted in this manner, the fingers 290 form a series ofcantilevered projections positioned adjacent the tube 276. The guideplates 306, 308 are each mounted at their lower surfaces to the supportplate 296. Guide plate 308 includes an aperture 309 sized to receive acoupling member 311 that connects the output from the gearbox to thescrew 286 and guide plate 306 includes an aperture 309 that receives thescrew 286.

Referring again to FIGS. 26A and 26B, a positioning plate 310 isprovided to position the fluid-carrying tube 276 so that thecompressible region 292 is adjacent the fingers 290. The positioningplate 310 is mounted to an upper surface of the plates 306, 308, andincludes openings, defined by the lower surface of the positioning plate310 and recesses 312 and 314 in the upper surfaces of each of the guideplates 306, 308, through which the tube 276 passes. Because the tube 276is positioned and held in place by these openings, when the fingers 290are displaced they compress the tube 276 in the compressible region 292progressively along its length in a series of multiple compressionevents to force fluid along the fluid path.

Generally, motor 284 can be selected as desired. A suitable motor is aFF130SH, available from Mabuchi. The screw 286, the fingers 290 and thedisplacement sequence can be identical to those described above withreference to FIGS. 7A-7E.

Downstream of the pump assembly 282, tube 276 is connected to a driveassembly 316 (FIG. 27A) that is used to extend and retract valve 322 toengage and disengage, respectively, valve 200 of the oral care device12. Although valve 322 is depicted, any suitable coupling can be usedthat is constructed to couple with the oral care device and providecommunication between the fluid reservoir 274 and the oral care device.The drive assembly 316 includes a motor 318 capable of moving a sled 320that is connected to the valve 322, which is fluidly connected (e.g.,using a barbed fitting) to the tube 276. Referring now to FIGS. 27A and27B, the valve 322 is slidably positioned within a fixed bushing 324. Tomove the sled 320 and associated valve 322, the motor 318 and anassociated gear box 328 are connected to a lead screw 330, using acoupling which is threadably connected to the sled 320. As the motor 318rotates the lead screw 330, the sled 320 is pulled or pushed toward oraway from the motor 318, depending on the direction of rotation of thelead screw 330. The lead screw 330 is connected to a pair of bearings334, which aid in positioning the lead screw 330. As noted above, valve322 is positioned at outlet 280 to control the flow of fluid from theoutlet 280, and is matable with valve 200 that controls fluid flow intothe inlet 28 of the oral care device 12. As an alternative, in someembodiments, the valve can be mechanically actuated using other drivemechanisms, for example, a spring mechanism (e.g., by spring-loading thevalve and releasing the valve using a button) and/or a lever that cancause the valve to extend and/or retract.

Referring back to FIG. 23B, a pair of leads 336, 338 are exposed withinthe receiving portion 273 of the docking station 14. Leads 336, 338, arepositioned to contact a pair of contacts 340, 342 (FIG. 2A) on the oralcare device 12 when the oral care device 12 is placed within thereceiving portion 173. This contact will electrically couple the oralcare device 12 and the docking station 14, so that the power source towhich the docking station is connected can recharge the rechargeablebatteries within the oral care device. Contacts 340, 342 areelectrically connected with the rechargeable batteries, allowing powerto flow from the docking station to the batteries.

With reference to FIG. 28, by placing the oral care device 12 withinreceiving portion 273 such that contacts 340, 342 mate with leads 336,338 a charging circuit is closed, which is recognized by the controller.When the charging circuit is closed, the rechargeable batteries 44 beginto charge. The charging circuit can include an inductive component forcharging the batteries 44 inductively. In some embodiments, the oralcare device is electrically connected to the docking stationmechanically or by using a signal from a magnetic field, electricalfield or radio frequency identification (RFID), as examples. As thecharging process begins, the motor 318 of the drive assembly 316 isactivated and the valve 322 projects forward to mate with the valve 200(FIG. 2B) in the handle 24. A limit switch (not shown) determines theend of travel of the valve 322. Once the limit switch is actuated, thevalve 322 can be projected forward by the drive assembly 316 for anadditional selected period of time (e.g., about two seconds), which canensure that valves 200 and 322 are seated. During the selected period oftime, the valve 322 may or may not travel forward. The selected periodof time for travel is primarily used to help ensure that that the valves322 and 200 are mated.

Upon activation of the limit switch and expiration of the selectedperiod of time, the controller is programmed to determine if a pressureswitch (not shown) has been actuated. The pressure switch is plumbedinto the passageway 278 (or, in some embodiments, into passageway 40 oforal care device 12) and will actuate when pressure in the passagewayexceeds a preselected threshold, e.g., eight psi (preferably between sixand ten psi). If this threshold is exceeded, this indicates that thefluid passageway 40 in the oral care device is full. Once the valves aremated, if the fluid path in the oral care device is not already full(i.e., if the pressure switch is not activated) then the pumpingassembly 282 is activated and pumps fluid from the reservoir 274 in thedocking station to the fluid passageway 40 within component 154 of theoral care device 12, refilling the supply of fluid within the fluid pathof the oral care device 12.

If, however, the controller detects that the pressure switch is actuatedprior to activating the pumping assembly 282 (i.e., if the fluidpassageway of the oral care device is already full when the oral caredevice is placed on the docking station), the motor 284 is not activatedand the valve 322 is retracted until a rear limit switch (not shown) isactuated.

During a refill operation, when pressure in the passageway reaches thethreshold the pressure switch is actuated and the controller signals themotor 284 to deactivate to discontinue pumping of fluid and signals thedrive assembly 316 to retract the valve 322 to its starting, closedposition. As an alternative, in some embodiments, upon actuation of thepressure switch, the controller opens a bypass valve that directs fluidback to the fluid reservoir. A similar operation can also beaccomplished, for example, by use of a pressure relief valve, which doesnot require a pressure switch. The rear limit switch actuates when thevalve 322 is retracted to its starting position.

As explained above, the fluid passageway 40 is filled until pressurewithin the passageway reaches the preselected threshold, indicating thatthe component 154 has reached a predetermined capacity. As an over-spillprevention measure, the controller can deactivate motor 284 after aselected time period (e.g., one minute, preferably between 30 secondsand 2 minutes) has lapsed, regardless of whether the pressure switch hasactuated. This can prevent the docking station 14 from emptying thefluid reservoir 274 (e.g., in the event of a valve mating problem or abroken component 154). When the valves 322 and 200 are mated (FIG. 19),the oral care device 12 cannot be removed from receiving portion 273.The mated valves lock the oral care device 12 to the docking station 14,e.g., to maintain a fluid connection between the oral care device 12 andthe docking station 14.

In some embodiments, only one motor housed within the docking station 14is used to drive the valve 322 and to pump fluid along the fluidpassageway 278. In these cases, a clutch can be used to selectivelyengage the motor with the drive assembly and the pump assembly. In somecases, the pump assembly 38 within the oral care device 12 is used topull fluid from the fluid reservoir of the docking station to refill thepassageway 60 within the cartridge component 154. This can renderunnecessary the pumping assembly 282 within the docking station 14.

Referring now to FIG. 29, an alternative oral care device 400 is shownthat includes a separable bi-component housing 402 with a separable andreplaceable cartridge 404. Similar to the oral care device 12 describedabove, oral care device 400 is a power toothbrush having a motorizedhead and is designed to discharge a fluid, such as a dentifrice ormouthwash or a combination of various fluids, during the brushing cycle.As will be discussed in detail below, the oral care device 400 includesa body component 418 and the separable cartridge component 404 thatincludes both a fluid reservoir (that can be refillable and/ordisposable) and batteries (that can be rechargeable or disposable) orother power source. The body and cartridge components are securedtogether by snap latch 419. In some embodiments, the entire cartridgecomponent 404 is disposable.

As assembled, the oral care device 400 includes a distal portion 406 atwhich a movable head 408 and neck 410 is located and a proximal portion412 at which a handle 414 is located. The head 408 is sized to fitwithin a user's mouth for brushing, while the handle 414 is graspable bya user and facilitates manipulation of the head 408 during use. The oralcare device 400 includes a user interface 416 in the form of an on/offbutton.

As noted above, the cartridge component 404 is separable from the bodycomponent 418 (see FIG. 31A). As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, thecartridge component 404 is a removable, replaceable cartridge capable ofcarrying a fluid (e.g., dentifrice, mouthwash, water) within a fluidreservoir 405 (e.g., a rigid container or a flexible pouch). The bodycomponent 418 also includes a power source 420 (see FIG. 30B). Byproviding the cartridge component 404 with a power source (e.g., one ormore batteries) and a fluid reservoir, the need for a docking stationcapable of both refilling and recharging the cartridge component, can beeliminated. In some embodiments, a refilling station, a rechargingstation and/or a combination of a refilling and recharging station isprovided for refilling the cartridge component 404 and/or recharging thepower source 420. In other embodiments, a simple docking station thatneither refills nor recharges may be provided as a holder for the oralcare device.

Referring now to FIGS. 31A and 31B, the body component 418 includes themovable head 408, and, housed internally within the body component 418,a pair of motors 34 and 36. Motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 438 thatis used to transfer a fluid along a fluid passageway 40 toward the head408 of the oral care device 400. In some embodiments, motor 34 isreversible and can move fluid in an opposite direction, toward theproximal portion of the oral care device 400 (e.g., to reduce or, insome cases, even eliminate any leaking of fluid from the head that mayoccur due to pressure build-up within the passageway). Motor 36 drives adrive shaft 442, which in turn moves (e.g., rotates) the head 408. Whenthe cartridge component 404 is connected to the body component 418 (asshown in FIG. 29), the power source 420 is electrically coupled to themotors 34, 36 for providing power thereto.

The head drive assembly is similar to the head drive assembly of theoral care device 12, discussed above, in that the drive shaft 42 isconnected to the rotatable head 408 using an offset design thatfacilitates placement of a fluid outlet at the head 408 and a tube 422forming the fluid passageway 40 within the neck 410 of the housing 402.The drive shaft 42 is moved by use of a cam and follower system thattranslates rotational output of the motor 36 into linear motion used todrive the drive shaft 42 backward and forward. In some embodiments, thehead drive assembly is substantially identical to that shown by FIGS.10A-13 (and may include any alternatives) as those described above.

As can be seen by FIG. 31B, the pumping assembly 438 is similar to thepump assembly 38 depicted by FIGS. 4A and 4B in that it includes themotor 34, a screw 48 having an advancing spiral 50 of enlargeddimension, an array of interconnected fingers 56 and a tube 422 having acompressible region 58 that forms at least a portion of fluid passageway40. In some embodiments, the motor 34, screw 48 including spiral 50,tube 422 and fingers 56 are of substantially identical construction tothe constructions described above, and may include any of thealternatives discussed above.

Each of the housing components 404 and 418 contains a portion of fluidpassageway 40. In order to reduce or, in some cases, to even preventfluid leakage from the fluid passageway 40 when components 404 and 408are separated, valves 160 and 162 having a “normally closed”configuration are provided at the proximal end of the body component 418and at the distal end of the cartridge component 404, respectively.(Suitable valves having a “normally closed” configuration are shown, forexample, in FIGS. 18C and 19C and discussed above. Other types of valvesmay be used, such as that described with reference to FIGS. 40A and 40Bbelow.) As discussed above with respect to the valves shown in FIGS.18C-19C, valves 160 and 162 close passageway 40 when the body component418 and the cartridge component 404 are separated, and allow fluid flowthrough passageway 40 when the components are joined.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 32, 33 and 34, three alternative compressionelement arrays are shown that include compression elements havingmultiple bends 508, e.g., to facilitate placement of the compressionelement arrays within the oral care device. The curvature can be 180degrees, as shown, but other configurations may be used, such as a 90degree curvature. Referring to FIG. 32, compression element array 500includes multiple, interconnected compression elements 502. Each of thecompression elements 502 is supported at both ends by bases 504, each ofthe bases 504 also interconnecting the elements 502 of the array. Thecompression elements 502 are formed to buckle upon application of aforce, such as that applied by screw 48. As the elements 502 buckle, anassociated compression surface 506 is displaced, which, in turn, candisplace, for example, an adjacent compressible tube. Referring to FIG.33, another compression array 510 includes multiple, interconnectedcompression elements 512 that are supported at only one end by a base504.

Referring now to FIG. 34, compression array 600 is capable ofcompressing a pair of compressible fluid conduits 602 and 604 to pumpfluid along a pair of associated fluid passageways 606 and 608 (shown bydashed lines). The compression elements 610 extend from a common base612 that also interconnects each compression element 610 of the twoarrays. An advantage of the embodiment shown is that a single shaft withspiral can be utilized to displace both arrays of compression elementsby placing the shaft with spiral (not shown) between the two arrays ofcompression elements 610. In some embodiments, multiple, separate arraysof compression elements can be used, such as that shown by FIG. 5B,along with multiple shafts with spirals, such as that shown by FIG. 6A,to pump fluid along multiple, respective passageways.

An alternative screw embodiment 700 is shown by FIGS. 35A and 35B wherespiral 702 is formed of multiple, discontinuous projections 704. Theprojections 704 are arranged and formed to displace an array ofcompression elements, e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS.7A-7E.

As indicated above, the oral care device can include more than one fluidpassageway. Referring to FIGS. 36A and 36B, the oral care deviceincludes a pair of tubes 514 and 516 to direct two fluid streams (e.g.,of the same or of differing fluids) within the oral care device. Asshown, each of the tubes 514 and 516 is connected to the head at alocation offset from a longitudinal axis 531 perpendicular to an axis ofrotation 518 of the movable head 408. In some embodiments, one of thetubes 514, 516 may be connected to the head at the axis of rotation 518and the other connected at a location offset from the axis of rotation518. Referring to FIG. 37, a variation is shown where tubes 550 and 552are fluidly connected to each other downstream of the pumping assemblyand upstream of a fluid outlet at the head. This embodiment may beadvantageous where it is desirable to mix fluids within the passagewaysat a time just prior to delivery to a brushing surface.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the head may include a prophy cup 620, 622(or other guiding member, such as a pick). As shown by FIGS. 38 and 39,the prophy cups 620 and 622 extend from base 624 and around nozzle 626.In FIG. 39, the prophy cup 622 is castellated and includes openings 628positioned along a ridge 630 of the prophy cup, which can aid incleaning.

FIGS. 40A and 40B illustrate an alternative valve assembly 800embodiment, e.g., to replace valves 160 and 162 which can providecommunication between the head component 152 and the cartridge component154 (see, e.g., FIGS. 18B and 19B) and/or to replace the valves 200 and322 which can provide communication between the cartridge component 154and the docking station 14 (see, e.g., FIG. 21). Valve assembly 800includes a fitment 802 having a passageway 804 extending therethrough.Positioned within the passageway 804 is a spring-biased ball 806 that isbiased by a spring 808 toward a sealing ring 810 extending into andcoaxial with the passageway 804. Referring to FIG. 40A, valve assembly800 is shown in a closed position with the ball 806 biased against thesealing ring 810 sealing the passageway 804. Referring now to FIG. 40B,valve assembly 800 is shown in the open position with the ball 806forced apart from the sealing ring 810 by a conduit 812 that is receivedby the fitment 802. The conduit 812 includes multiple ports 814extending through a sidewall 816 of the conduit 812. The ports 814 allowfluid to pass therethrough and into the passageway 804 when an end 818the conduit 812 abuts ball 806. In the open position, fluid, particulateor any other suitable material can flow past the ball 806 during usetoward and/or, in some embodiments, away from, e.g., the head 20 of oralcare device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, fluid reservoirs suitable for use withcertain oral care device embodiments, e.g., oral care devices includingone or more features described above, are in the form of refillablepouches 850 and 900, respectively. As shown, pouches 850 and 900 arerefillable. In some cases, the pouches are replaceable and can bedisposable, e.g., when the pouch is emptied. Pouch 850 and 900 includesa pair of sidewalls 852, 854 that are joined along opposite longitudinalside edges 856, 858 by respective seams 860 and 862. In someembodiments, the side edges can be joined along one longitudinal sideedge by a seam and along an opposite longitudinal side edge by a fold.The sidewalls 852, 854 are also joined along a top edge 864 and a bottomedge 866 by seams 868, 870. The sidewalls 852, 854 form a pouch body 872having a volume formed between the sidewalls.

Extending into the pouch body 872 and having an end 882 (FIG. 43)disposed between the sidewalls 852, 854 at the top edge 864 is a fitment874. Fitment 874 provides communication between the pouch body 872 andthe fluid conduit extending through the oral care device. In someembodiments, referring to FIG. 44, the fitment 880 extends through anopening formed in sidewall 852. Referring again to FIGS. 41 and 42,connected to the fitment 874 is valve 200 having a normally closedconstruction, as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 43, the end 882 of the fitment 874 has a width Wthat is greater than a height H of the fitment, W and H being measuredalong perpendicular major and minor axes 884, 886 (each axis shown inphantom), respectively (i.e., a height to width aspect ratio of thefitment 874 is less than one, preferably at most about 0.65, such asabout 0.55).

The pouch including fitment is constructed such that the volume of thepouch body increases from an original, unfilled volume as the pouch isfilled with content, the volume decreasing as the pouch is emptied. Whenthe pouch is substantially emptied, such as at least about 95 percentempty, the volume of the pouch is substantially equivalent to theoriginal, unfilled volume (e.g., the volume is within at least about 40percent of the original, unfilled volume, preferably at least about 20percent of the original unfilled volume, such as at least about 10percent of the original unfilled volume), with shoulders 888 and 890 ofthe pouch collapsed substantially flat. This construction can allow thepouch to be emptied without significant material fatigue, e.g., allowingthe pouch to be refilled and reused, and can facilitate use of stiffermaterials for forming the sidewalls.

Pouches 850 and 900 can have a laminate structure that includes innerand outer layers that form the sidewalls 852, 854, or the sidewalls canbe of unitary structure having only a single layer. In embodimentshaving multiple layers forming the sidewalls, the layers can be ofdiffering materials, or each of the layers can be of the same material.To form the pouches 850 and 900, the pouch body can be formed of asingle sheet of plastic film (or multiple sheets e.g., two sheets) ofplastic film that is folded in half and sealed on the folded edge andthe two open edges. The fitment is then inserted into the open edge andthe edge is sealed with the fitment disposed between the two sidewalls.In some embodiments, as noted above, the folded edge may not be sealed.In some embodiments, the pouch body is rounded on one end and acontinuous rounded seam seals the rounded end of the pouch body (notshown).

Suitable materials for forming the pouch body include acrylonitrileco-monomer, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., BAREX®resin), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, e.g.,PCTFE or CTFE, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof. Thefitment can also be formed of any suitable material, such asacrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., BAREX® resin). Thesidewalls (or at least a layer of the sidewalls) may comprise a laminatestructure including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layercomprising a material having a flexural modulus of at most about 500,000psi. In some embodiments, the sidewall (or at least a layer of thesidewall) is between about 25 and 100 microns thick.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An oral care device comprising: an elongated housing including, at adistal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user'smouth; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passagewayin the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposedin the housing; wherein the compressible region of the fluid conduitdefines a path that is not semicircular; and a motorized pumpingassembly configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressibleregion progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluidconduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluidout of the compressible region along the fluid passageway toward anoutlet at the distal portion of the housing.
 2. The oral care device ofclaim 1, wherein the pumping assembly is configured to compress theconduit progressively with a series of multiple discrete compressionevents.
 3. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the conduit has asubstantially constant compressed volume (V_(c)) in the compressibleregion while the conduit is compressed in the compressible regionprogressively along at least a portion of its length.
 4. The oral caredevice of claim 1, wherein the pumping assembly further comprises arotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral.
 5. The oral care deviceof claim 4, wherein the spiral is continuous.
 6. The oral care device ofclaim 4, wherein the spiral comprises a discontinuous arrangement ofprotrusions extending outwardly from a surface of the rotatable shaft.7. The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the spiral is configured tocompress the conduit in the compressible region progressively along atleast a portion of the length of the conduit as the shaft rotates. 8.The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the pumping assembly furthercomprises a compression element positioned between the shaft and theconduit such that the compression element is displaced by the shaft tocompress the conduit in the compressible region when the shaft isrotated.
 9. The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compressionelement is capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft isrotated to multiple angular positions.
 10. The oral care device of claim8, wherein the compression element is displaced in a directionsubstantially transverse to the fluid path.
 11. The oral care device ofclaim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced linearly when theshaft is at a selected angular position.
 12. The oral care device ofclaim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced in a rotationalmotion.
 13. The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compressionelement is displaced in a bending motion.
 14. The oral care device ofclaim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced by buckling thecompression element.
 15. The oral care device of claim 8 comprisingmultiple compression elements positioned between the shaft and theconduit such that the compression elements are capable of beingdisplaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated.
 16. The oral caredevice of claim 15, wherein the compression elements are arranged in alinear array.
 17. The oral care device of claim 15, wherein thecompression elements are arranged in multiple linear arrays.
 18. Theoral care device of claim 15, wherein the compression elements aredisplaced sequentially by the spiral of the shaft to compress theconduit in the compressible region to transfer fluid along the fluidpath.
 19. The oral care device of claim 15, wherein the compressionelements are arranged to compress the conduit in a series of compressionevents applied sequentially along the length of the conduit.
 20. Theoral care device of claim 15 comprising a flexible membrane positionedbetween the rotatable shaft and the conduit, the compression elementsbeing integral with the flexible membrane.
 21. The oral care device ofclaim 20, wherein the compression elements extend outwardly from theflexible membrane.
 22. The oral care device of claim 15 comprising aflexible membrane positioned between the compression elements and theconduit.
 23. The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compressionelement includes a secured end that is connected to a support member anda free end forming a finger, the free end being positioned between theshaft and the conduit such that the free end is capable of beingdisplaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to a selected angularposition.
 24. The oral care device of claim 23 comprising multiplecompression elements, each including a secured end connected to asupport member and a free end to form an array of fingers, the free endsbeing positioned between the shaft and the conduit such that the freeends are capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft isrotated.
 25. The oral care device of claim 24, wherein the secured endsof the array of fingers are interconnected.
 26. The oral care device ofclaim 23, wherein a flexible membrane is positioned between the free endof the finger and the conduit.
 27. The oral care device of claim 8wherein the compression element has a pair of ends that are secured to asupport member, the compression element being configured to bucklebetween the secured ends when the shaft is rotated to compress theconduit in the compressible region.
 28. The oral care device of claim 4,wherein the pumping assembly comprises an electric motor configured torotate the rotatable shaft.
 29. The oral care device of claim 28,wherein the electric motor rotates the rotatable shaft at a selectedrate or frequency in response to a signal from a controller locatedwithin the housing.
 30. The oral care device of claim 29, wherein thecontroller is configured to rotate the rotatable shaft at differingselected rates or frequencies.
 31. The oral care device of claim 30,wherein the controller is programmed to increase or decrease the rate orfrequency at which the motor rotates the rotatable shaft.
 32. The oralcare device of claim 30, wherein the controller increases or decreasesthe rate or frequency the motor rotates the rotatable shaft in responseto input from a user.
 33. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein thelong axis of the fluid conduit is substantially parallel to or coaxialwith the long axis of the housing.
 34. The oral care device of claim 1,wherein the fluid conduit comprises a tube.
 35. The oral care device ofclaim 1 further comprising a fluid reservoir located within the housingthat is capable of communication with the fluid path.
 36. The oral caredevice of claim 35, wherein the pumping assembly is located downstreamof the fluid reservoir.
 37. The oral care device of claim 1 comprisingmultiple fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduitdefining a fluid passageway.
 38. The oral care device of claim 37,wherein the fluid conduits each have a compressible region.
 39. The oralcare device of claim 38, wherein the pumping assembly is configured tocompress each of the fluid conduits in the compressible regionprogressively along at least a portion of their lengths to transferfluid along an associated fluid path toward an outlet at the distalportion of the housing.
 40. The oral care device of claim 37, whereinthe multiple fluid passageways converge within the housing to combinefluid upstream of the outlet.
 41. The oral care device of claim 37comprising multiple fluid outlets, each fluid outlet fluidly connectedto an associated fluid conduit.
 42. The oral care device of claim 1,wherein the head is movable with respect to the housing.
 43. The oralcare device of claim 42, wherein the head includes a movable portionthat is movable with respect to the housing and a fixed portion.
 44. Theoral care device of claim 43, wherein at least one of the movableportion and the fixed portion includes an array of bristles extendingoutwardly from a base.
 45. The oral care device of claim 43, wherein theoutlet is positioned in the fixed portion.
 46. The oral care device ofclaim 43, wherein the outlet is positioned in the movable portion. 47.The oral care device of claim 43, wherein the outlet is positionedbetween the movable and static portions.
 48. The oral care device ofclaim 1, wherein the head comprises a brush.
 49. The oral care device ofclaim 1 or 48, wherein the head comprises an elastomeric cup.
 50. Theoral care device of claim 49, wherein the elastomeric cup extendsoutwardly from a base and around at least a portion of the fluid outlet.51. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a pick.52. The oral care device of claim 1 in the form of a dispensingtoothbrush.
 53. The oral care device of claim 1 comprising a replaceablecartridge component.
 54. The oral care device of claim 53, wherein thereplaceable cartridge component includes at least a portion of the fluidconduit.
 55. The oral care device of claim 1 or 53 comprising aseparable body component.
 56. The oral care device of claim 55, whereinthe separable body component includes the motorized pumping assembly.57. The oral care device of claim 1 or 53 having a replaceable headcomponent.
 58. The oral care device of claim 57, wherein the headcomponent includes the head, neck and fluid outlet.
 59. The oral caredevice of claim 1 comprising an inlet fluidly connected to the fluidconduit, the inlet configured to fluidly connect with a docking stationto allow fluid to be introduced through the inlet.
 60. The oral caredevice of claim 1, wherein all of the fluid passageway is replaceable.61. The oral care device of claim 60 comprising an inlet in fluidcommunication with the fluid conduit.
 62. The oral care device of claim61, wherein the inlet comprises a valve.
 63. The oral care device ofclaim 60 comprising first and second components, each component formingat least a portion of the housing and including a portion of the fluidpassageway.
 64. The oral care device of claim 63, wherein respectivefluid passageways of the first and second components are fluidlyconnected by a valve.
 65. The oral care device of claim 64, wherein oneof the first and second components is a replaceable cartridge componentand the other of the first and second components is a replaceable headand neck component.
 66. An oral care device comprising: a housingincluding a fluid passageway for directing fluid within the housing and,at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within auser's mouth; and a reversible pumping assembly configured to transferfluid along the passageway.
 67. The oral care device of claim 66comprising a fluid conduit defining the fluid passageway.
 68. The oralcare device of claim 67 wherein the pumping assembly is configured tocompress the fluid conduit in a compressible region progressively alongat least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid intothe compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressibleregion along the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portionof the housing.
 69. The oral care device of claim 68, wherein thepumping assembly further comprises a rotatable shaft that includes araised spiral.
 70. The oral care device of claim 69, wherein the spiralis configured to compress the conduit in the compressible regionprogressively along at least a portion of the length of the conduit asthe shaft rotates.
 71. The oral care device of claim 69, wherein thepumping assembly further comprises a compression element positionedbetween the shaft and the conduit such that the compression element isdisplaced by the shaft to compress the conduit in the compressibleregion progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluidconduit as the shaft rotates.
 72. The oral care device of claim 71comprising multiple compression elements positioned between the shaftand the conduit such that the compression elements are capable of beingdisplaced by the shaft as the shaft rotates.
 73. The oral care device ofclaim 72, wherein the compression elements are displaced sequentially bythe spiral of the shaft to compress the conduit in the compressibleregion progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluidconduit to transfer fluid along the fluid path.
 74. The oral care deviceof claim 68, wherein the pumping assembly is configured to compress theconduit progressively with a series of multiple compression events. 75.The oral care device of claim 68, wherein the reversible pumpingassembly is configured to transfer fluid along the fluid passageway in adirection away from the outlet at the distal portion of the housing. 76.The oral care device of claim 66, wherein the reversible pumpingassembly includes an electric motor.
 77. The oral care device of claim76 wherein the electric motor rotates a rotatable shaft in either afirst direction or in an opposite second direction in response to asignal from a controller located within the housing.
 78. The oral caredevice of claim 66 further comprising a fluid reservoir within thehousing and fluidly connected to the fluid passageway.
 79. The oral caredevice of claim 78, wherein the reversible pumping assembly isconfigured to introduce fluid into the fluid reservoir.
 80. The oralcare device of claim 79, wherein the reversible pumping assembly isconfigured to introduce fluid from the fluid passageway into the fluidreservoir while running in reverse.
 81. An oral care device comprising:a housing including a head, a handle and a neck connecting the head andthe handle, the head being dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; andan energy source for powering the oral care device; wherein the housingcomprises a separable cartridge component that includes a fluidreservoir and the energy source.
 82. The oral care device of claim 81,wherein the energy source comprises a battery.
 83. The oral care deviceof claim 82, wherein the battery is rechargeable.
 84. The oral caredevice of claim 82, wherein the battery is disposable.
 85. The oral caredevice of claim 81, wherein the energy source is electrically connectedto a motor configured to drive a pump assembly.
 86. The oral care deviceof claim 85, wherein the pump assembly is configured to transfer fluidalong a fluid passageway toward an outlet located at the head at thedistal end of the housing.
 87. The oral care device of claim 85, whereinthe pump assembly is configured to compress a fluid conduit in acompressible region progressively along at least a portion of its lengthto transfer fluid along a fluid passageway.
 88. The oral care device ofclaim 85, wherein the pump assembly comprises a rotatable shaft thatincludes a raised spiral.
 89. The oral care device of claim 88, whereinthe pump assembly comprises a fluid conduit having a compressible regionand defining at least a portion of the fluid passageway, and the pumpingassembly comprising a compression element positioned between the shaftand the conduit such that the compression element is displaced by theshaft to compress the conduit in the compressible region as the shaftrotates.
 90. The oral care device of claim 89 comprising multiplecompression elements positioned between the shaft and the fluid conduitsuch that the compressible elements are sequentially displaced by theshaft as the shaft rotates to progressively compress the fluid conduitin the compressible region.
 91. An oral care device comprising: ahousing having a movable head configured to rotate about an axis ofrotation, a handle and a neck connecting the head and the handle, thehousing defining a housing axis extending between the handle and thehead that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a fluid passagewaylocated within the neck of the housing and extending to an outlet at thehead; and a drive member connected to the head at a location spaced fromthe housing axis, the drive member being configured to rotate themovable head about the axis of rotation.
 92. The oral care device ofclaim 91, wherein at least a portion of the fluid passageway extendssubstantially parallel to the axis of rotation.
 93. The oral care deviceof claim 91, wherein at least a portion of the fluid passagewayco-extends with the axis of rotation.
 94. The oral care device of claim91, wherein the outlet and the axis of rotation are spaced-apart fromeach other.
 95. The oral care device of claim 91 comprising a driveassembly configured to move the drive member.
 96. The oral care deviceof claim 95, wherein the drive assembly includes an electric motor. 97.The oral care device of claim 95, wherein the drive assembly includes acam comprising a track and a follower connected to the track, and thedrive member.
 98. The oral care device of claim 97, wherein the trackextends outwardly from an outer surface of a shaft.
 99. The oral caredevice of claim 97, wherein the track is defined by an internal surfaceof a cup.
 100. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein the headincludes a static portion and a movable portion.
 101. The oral caredevice of claim 100, wherein the head includes an array of bristlesextending from a base at the static portion.
 102. The oral care deviceof claim 100, wherein the head includes an array of bristles extendingfrom a base at the movable portion.
 103. The oral care device of claim100, wherein the outlet is located at the movable portion.
 104. The oralcare device of claim 100, wherein the outlet is located at the staticportion.
 105. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the outlet islocated between the movable and static portions.
 106. The oral caredevice of claim 91 comprising multiple fluid outlets located at thehead.
 107. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein the drive member isconnected to the head at a location spaced a distance (d) between about0.05 and about 0.2 inch from the housing axis.
 108. The oral care deviceof claim 107, wherein d is between about 0.075 and 0.150 inch.
 109. Theoral care device of claim 107, wherein d is about 0.125 inch.
 110. Amethod of providing oral care using an oral care device, the methodcomprising: reducing an uncompressed volume (V₀) of a fluid conduitpositioned within the oral care device by compressing the fluid conduitto a compressed volume (V_(c)) within a compressible region defining apath that is not semicircular; wherein the compressed volume (V_(c))remains substantially constant as the fluid conduit is compressedprogressively along a length (L) to transfer fluid along a fluidpassageway within the oral care device.
 111. The method of claim 110,wherein the fluid conduit is compressed progressively along L by aseries of discrete compression events.
 112. The method of claim 110,wherein the reducing step includes displacing a compression element.113. The method of claim 112, wherein the compression element isdisplaced by a shaft having a raised spiral.
 114. The method of claim113 further comprising rotating the shaft.
 115. The method of claim 114,wherein the shaft is rotated by an electric motor.
 116. A method ofproviding oral care using an oral care device, the method comprising:with a series of successive, side-by-side compression events,compressing a fluid conduit progressively in a compressible region alongat least a portion of a length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid intothe compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressibleregion along a fluid passageway and toward a fluid outlet at a head ofthe oral care device.
 117. An oral care device comprising: a housingincluding, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fitwithin a user's mouth; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of afluid passageway in the housing; a pouch disposed within the housing,the pouch comprising a pouch body including two sidewalls defining avolume therebetween, the sidewalls being joined along at least onelongitudinal side edge by a seam; and a fitment providing communicationbetween the pouch body and the fluid conduit.
 118. The oral care deviceof claim 117, wherein the sidewalls comprise acrylonitrile co-monomer,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, polyethyleneterephthalate or a combination thereof.
 119. The oral care device ofclaim 117, wherein the sidewalls comprise acrylonitrile-methyl acrylatecopolymer.
 120. The oral care device of claim 119, wherein the fitmentcomprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.
 121. The oral caredevice of claim 117, wherein the pouch body has a shoulder configured tobe collapsed substantially flat.
 122. The oral care device of claim 117,wherein the fitment is attached to the sidewalls at an edge of the pouchbody.
 123. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the fitment isattached at a face of the pouch body, the fitment extending through anopening defined by the associated sidewall.
 124. The oral care device ofclaim 117, wherein the sidewalls comprise a laminate structure includingan inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer comprises amaterial having a flexural modulus of at most about 500,000 psi. 125.The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the sidewalls comprise a filmbetween about 25 and 100 microns thick.
 126. The oral care device ofclaim 117, wherein the sidewalls are joined along two, oppositelongitudinal side edges by respective seams.
 127. The oral care deviceof claim 117, wherein the sidewalls are joined at a longitudinal sideedge by a fold.
 128. An oral care device comprising: a housingincluding, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fitwithin a user's mouth; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of afluid passageway in the housing; a pouch disposed within the housing,the pouch comprising a pouch body including two sidewalls defining avolume therebetween; and a fitment providing communication between thepouch body and the fluid conduit; wherein the fitment has a height towidth aspect ratio of less than one, the height and width being measuredalong minor and major axes, respectively, at an end of the fitmentdisposed between the sidewalls.
 129. The oral care device of claim 128,wherein the height to width aspect ratio is at most about 0.65.
 130. Theoral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls are joined along atleast one edge by a seam.
 131. The oral care device of claim 128,wherein the sidewalls are joined along two, opposite longitudinal sideedges by respective seams.
 132. The oral care device of claim 128,wherein the sidewalls are joined along at least one side edge by a fold.133. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls compriseacrylonitrile co-monomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester,fluoropolymers, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof.134. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls compriseacrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.
 135. The oral care device ofclaim 134, wherein the fitment comprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylatecopolymer.
 136. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the pouchbody has a shoulder configured to be collapsed substantially flat. 137.The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the fitment is attached tothe sidewalls at an edge of the pouch body.
 138. The oral care device ofclaim 128, wherein the fitment is attached at a face of the pouch body,the fitment extending through an opening defined by the associatedsidewall.
 139. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewallscomprise a laminate structure including an inner layer and an outerlayer, wherein the inner layer comprising a material having a flexuralmodulus of at most about 500,000 psi.
 140. The oral care device of claim128, wherein the sidewalls comprise a film between about 25 and 100microns thick.
 141. An oral care device comprising: a housing including,at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within auser's mouth; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluidpassageway in the housing; a pouch disposed within the housing, thepouch comprising a pouch body including two sidewalls defining a volumetherebetween; and a fitment providing communication between the pouchbody and the fluid conduit; wherein the volume increases from anoriginal, unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with content.
 142. Theoral care device of claim 141, wherein the volume decreases as the pouchis emptied.
 143. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein, whensubstantially emptied, the volume is substantially equivalent to theoriginal, unfilled volume.
 144. The oral care device of claim 141,wherein the fitment has a height to width aspect ratio of less than one,the height and width being measured along minor and major axes,respectively, at an end of the fitment disposed between the sidewalls.145. The oral care device of claim 144, wherein the height to widthaspect ratio is at most about 0.65.
 146. The oral care device of claim141, wherein the sidewalls are joined along at least one edge by a seam.147. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewalls are joinedalong two opposite longitudinal side edges by respective seams.
 148. Theoral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewalls are joined along atleast one side edge by a fold.
 149. The oral care device of claim 141,wherein the sidewalls comprise acrylonitrile co-monomer, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, polyethylene terephthalate ora combination thereof.
 150. The oral care device of claim 141, whereinthe sidewalls comprise acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.
 151. Theoral care device of claim 150, wherein the fitment comprisesacrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.
 152. The oral care device ofclaim 141, wherein the pouch body has a shoulder configured to becollapsed substantially flat.
 153. The oral care device of claim 141,wherein the fitment is attached to the sidewalls at an edge of the pouchbody.
 154. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the fitment isattached at a face of the pouch body, the fitment extending through anopening defined by the associated sidewall.
 155. The oral care device ofclaim 141, wherein the sidewalls comprise a laminate structure includingan inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer comprising amaterial having a flexural modulus of at most about 500,000 psi. 156.The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewalls comprise a filmbetween about 25 and 100 microns thick.
 157. An oral care devicecomprising: an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of thehousing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; a fluidconduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in thehousing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in thehousing; and a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress thefluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least aportion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into thecompressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible regionalong the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of thehousing; wherein the pumping assembly is configured to compress theconduit progressively with a series of multiple discrete compressionevents.
 158. An oral care device comprising: an elongated housingincluding, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fitwithin a user's mouth; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of afluid passageway in the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressibleregion disposed in the housing; and a motorized pumping assemblyconfigured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible regionprogressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluidconduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluidout of the compressible region along the fluid passageway toward anoutlet at the distal portion of the housing, the motorized pumpingassembly including a drive shaft that is disposed substantially parallelto a plane defined by the compressible region.